Wakelet: Blended Learning Collection

BA Library Online for the Month of April & May

Rounding up posts on the library's online services we do in the Academy for the month of April and May.

BA Library Online Points for Reflection 2 - At Week 2 of our library online services, I rounded up articles on instructional design, creating connections, bibliotherapy and the inevitable changes that the pandemic will take effect when this is all over.

Video Streaming Channels and Teaching Resource Packs - What I put together two weeks ago in BA Library Online -- Free Access to Resources for Online Learning

Pathfinder on COVID-19 - This is a continuing project of curated content and resources on COVID-19. The list has grown since February to include information databases to resources on mental health for children in lockdown.

#MaslowBeforeBloom - This week in BA Library Online, I shared the #MaslowBeforeBloom school of thought that has been circulating in social media. 

Teaching Practices and Quality Standards of Online Teaching - Teachers and colleagues in the private schools and public schools are all preparing for remote and online learning, while in the Academy, we are wrapping up the academic year. Almost the entire second semester was spent in online teaching and learning. Here is what I shared with our learning community as we reflect on this unforgetable experience of change and resilience.

Hashtags for locating and accessing posts in social media - So teachers will always find their way around Workplace

Dear School Librarian In Action: The Benefit of Print and Planning a School Library Development Plan

I was fortunate to meet School librarians of the Raya School early this month. We had a fascinating and interesting conversation about students, the way they learn and read books, and the work librarians do to help teachers. Here are questions that have kept them awake at night. This is part 1 so come back to the blog for part 2!

1. With the emergence of information technology we have today, I wonder if it is still relevant to teach students how to use the dictionary if they could just google or use an online dictionary instead.

Yes. Print is still relevant because, it promotes and keeps the reading experience alive particularly, long and deep reading. These are the kinds of reading the human brain needs to function well. Ebooks and online sources rob the brain of so many things, and one is the development of a physical memory. Print provides that physical landscape so that the brain’s capacity to remember becomes stronger. Print is good for MEMORY and REMEMBERING.

Second, we need to provide different forms of media to our readers because they learn in varied ways. Their modalities for learning is not one dimensional. Learning through visuals may be strong for one person, but his/her aural skills do not mean it is non-function at all. So, develop whole brain learning by providing an array of learning materials and employing varied and appropriate instructional strategies.

The availability of online references provide ease of access to information. Print sources help in retention and in stretching one’s attention span. Both are cognitive skills needed to navigate and understand different media formats and technology.

2. There was a time where grade 6 students borrowed reference materials in the library so they could practice citing of sources for their AP class. There was also a time where grade 4 students searched for "pabula" in the library for their Filipino class.

I know that one of the library's main roles in the school is provision of books to the students for the enrichment of their learning but what else could I do to help?

Notice that the information needs of your students differ from one grade to another. Why is it that grade 4 students are searching for pabula? Why reference materials for grade 6? 

Know the students, the teachers who teach them, the school’s curriculum and pedagogy. From here, you can create a collection development plan. Then, budgeting comes into play. This is long term, progressing and continuous. A three year library development plan identifying targets and strategies need to be in place, as well as a library procedural manual.

Include a library instruction program or an Information Literacy program. This is ideally, integrated in the language arts skills program. So, work with teachers to make this happen.

Part 2 is all about collaborative work with teachers.

Teaching Resources and Readers' Guide: Traitor to the Throne

One of the books I was excited to read about at the start of 2017 was Alwyn Hamilton's Traitor to the Throne (Viking, 2017). Traitor to the Throne is the second book in the Rebel of the Sands series. I posted my review in the blog back in March 19, 2017.

Here's a link to my review of Rebel of the Sands. I also posted a  resource and guide for teachers.

So, here are the teaching resources and readers' guide for teachers, parents and librarians on Traitor to the Throne. First up, the reviews.

Book Reviews

If you want to know what other readers and fans think about the book, here are links to reviews.

Reviews From a Bookworm
Desert News: Book Review of Traitor to the Throne
Kirkus: Traitor to the Throne

Themes: War, Women and Children

In Traitor to the Throne, children, young people, especially girls, and women, were not spared from participating in the war and in the revolution. Some fell victim to the abuse of men. Some stood up and became warriors. How these young women fought to survive as they made choices in the face of conflict are issues and topics of global scale. Traitor the Throne is a work of fiction, but the realities of war and the involvement of children and women in it are events happening in real life too. We only need to turn to the news, both local and international news agencies, as well as social media to affirm this. Even history has a lot to tell us about war, and the suffering of civilians especially women and children.

Here are online resources to understand the roles of women in light of war and conflict.

 Huffington Post traces the role of women in the military in modern times. The events in the timeline cover a western context but it shows how women have fought alongside men in times of conflict and armed struggle. It would be interesting to look at other defense and security systems other than the military to get a wider perspective of women's role in the war effort. Another vantage point is the role that women played in a country's industry and economy  at war time. History Channel has some compelling videos and narratives about women in World War II as warriors, workers and victims.The write up about Queen Elizabeth's participation in Britain's war efforts is one example.

In the novel, we read about children and young demdjis picking up arms and joining the fight. If not seen in battle, they become prisoners of war and experience all forms of abuse.

Unicef discusses the sad and horrific plight of children and women in places where war never seem to stop. Women and children are defenseless. They become refugees or, like the characters in the novel, end up as prisoners of war.

Many women are involved in peace efforts too. The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is a branch of the United Nations advocating, campaigning and taking action in peace keeping efforts. Unite for Sight, a global non-government organization with a strong program on health and medical services, has an information packet on war, peace, women and children. It even has a counter argument on the role of women in the military.

TED Talks have these videos on women, children and civilians suffering the most when war is over and how peace building efforst continue long after the ceasation of war.

Discussions and Activities

Create an infographic on war and its effects on the economy, government and civilians. Conduct a poster presentation of these infographics in the classroom and have a gallery walk. It will help readers to note their reactions and the information they gathered from the poster/infographics. From these infographics and the readers' knowledge of facts about war, women and children, discussions can arise. Guide questions can be put together after the discussion to form claims, arguments and counter arguments.

Recommended Readings: Fiction

Adventures of a Child of War / by Flores, Lin Acacio   Manila Philippines : Cacho Publishing House, 2002

Doctor Zhivago / by Pasternak, Boris Leonidovich,   [New York] : Readers Digest, c1990

It was the war of the trenches / by Tardi, Jacques.   Seattle, WA : Fantagraphics Books, c2010

The book thief / by Zusak, Markus.   New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2007

The bookseller of Kabul / by Seierstad, êAsne,   New York : Back Bay Books/Little, Brown, 2004  

Recommended Readings: Non-Fiction

Worlds at War : the 2,500-year struggle between East and West / by Pagden, Anthony.   New York : Random House, c2008

A World Undone : the story of the Great War, 1914-1918 / by Meyer, G. J.,   New York, N.Y. : Bantam Dell, 2007
 
Human Smoke : the beginnings of World War II, the end of civilization / by Baker, Nicholson.   New York : Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2009, c2008

World War II : the events and their impact on real people / by Grant, R. G.   New York, N.Y. : Dk Pub., 2008

A Time for War : 105 Days in Bataan / by Atienza, General Rigoberto J.   [S.l.] : Eugenia S. vda. de Atienza, 1985 

Peace education : how we come to love and hate war / by Noddings, Nel.   New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012

  

Information Literacy Skills Instruction at Home - Part 1

Charity begins at home. The same goes with Information Literacy.

When my eleven year old daughter, Zoe asked permission if she can go online to search for information on the weak points of the human body, I allowed her. She knows how to turn the laptop on and connect online via broadband. Google is the search engine of choice. Over the years, she has acquired the habit of thinking aloud, especially when she's unsure of her thoughts or when the ideas in her head are all a clutter. Saying the words aloud helps her think.

I have not taught her yet that writing  ideas down will help in finding clarity. That would be the next lesson.

So, when she blurted out, what are the weak points or weaknesses of the body, I knew she's using her brain to access information from Google. I stepped in.

I told her, "You don't type the whole question on Google. What is it that you want to know?"

She replied, "I want to know the weak points of the human body."

"OK. I can identify two phrases that you can use to search in Google. Weak points and human body. That's all you need to type in Google." I said.

"Oh. Thanks, Ma!"

In less than a minute, Google gave her hits.

"See," I said. "Weak points and human body are key words to help you search faster online."

She clicked a link and started reading. I was amused at how amused she was learning the different weak points. I learned too that many weak points are found in the face. It was interesting stuff. She got her notebook and took notes. Luckily for her, the site she was on had text that was easy to read. When stumped with a difficult word, she paused and asked, "Ma, I need to check the dictionary."

She used the dictionary app in my MacBook. When it did not give her the meaning of the word, she called again for me.

"It's not in the dictionary."

"Use World Book Online. Your word must be a difficult one."

"Yeah. The word is radius but it's not about the topic I'm reading on the human body. Look here."

--To be continued--

Friday Online Readings: Safety in the Cloud, Lit & Lab Lessons

A sample of an integrated lesson plan in Science and Literature

A host of social media safety tips websites for kids and teens Social Media Safety for Kids and Teens

Teachers need differentiated lessons too, er, in supervision that is!

Books & Readings on Bullying and Agression

Russell Molina asked me what my thoughts are on bullying and how it can be prevented. I remember I gave him a lengthy reply. Now, I can only recall saying this to him: The family, being the smallest unit of society, can be the best place to start an anti-bullying campaign. Here's a collected set of books and online resources on bullying and how we can all do our part to make this world a peaceful and empathic place to live in.

a. Bullying and Violence: Youth with aggression by Kenneth McIntosh - presents a case on bullying and shows two sides of the bullying episode: the bully and the bullied; includes therapy and programs to handle bullying in the family, at home and in the community at large.

b. Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture f Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons - While many reported cases of bullying in school involves boys, a form of aggression happens among girls as well. Simmons has a comprehensive discussion on the nature of aggression among children, especially, girls and presents the subtle signs that care takers of children, parents, teachers, counselors, and the like must look out for.

c. Cliques, Crushes and True Friends: Developing Healthy Relationship by Ashley Rae Harris - this resource is more of a companion to the issue in question.    It identifies personality types from the follower, the cling on, the loner, etc. It may help teachers identify such kids and though, there is a possible stereotyping as an effect, the author provides readers with tips to handle, relate and deal with such people cautioning them to treat people with compassion and empathy.

And now, online stuff to check -

How Not to Raise a Bully: The Roots of Empathy - takes off from bullying cases in US schools. There's much to relearn and to reflect on the topic.

Evidenced Based Anti-Bullying Programs - evidenced based anti-bullying programs from Pre-K to college level

Bullies Be Gone- the first social space and place of a child is the family. Bullying may happen in the home as well.

And while we're at the topic, perhaps we can also take a few minutes to read on another reality - that adults can bully and be bullied as well.

Staffroom Bullying  - identifies the human need for power as a motivation to bully

Stop Bullying Now - a paper that discuss cases where acts of bullying by teachers to students happened. Includes implications on how school leadership can design policies on anti-bullying

Reading Technology Links

Information Source: Online Newspaper and References
New York Times for Kids
Time for Kids
Fact Monster
ALA's Great Websites for Kids
Kathy Schrock's Web Evaluation Criteria

E-Learning Tool
Web Quests
Web Quest Integration

Online Drills: Language Arts
Grammar Gorillas
Funbrain
Online Stories
Magic Keys
Literacy activities
Litearcy Centers
Worksheets on Phonics
School Express Phonics
Worksheets on Reading
School Express Reading

Telecollaboration

The Story Lady Project

As a result of the A(H1N1) assault

Xavier School has released PR on the cancelation of classes from June 25 to July 5. Beginning this Friday, June 26, selected courses and subjects for intermediate grades and secondary levels can be accessed online. Using technology, a student can follow the required course outline through independent studying. Teacher made online lesson will be available and parents of younger students must assist their children in weaving their way in the web.

This was how Singapore and Hong Kong schools survived during the SARS season. I'm not happy about a Xaverian positive with the virus, but it sure is an exciting possibility for my son to learn via technology.

Here's hoping for better days to come.

WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Training for Development of Library and Teaching Resources

Philippine eLibrary Partners:
1. Commission on Higher Education
2. Department of Agriculture
3. Department of Science and Technology
4. The National Library
5. University of the Philippines

Target Audience:
1. Librarians and other Information Professionals/Specialists
2. Faculty members of colleges and universities

Objectives:
At the end of the Training, participants are expected to:
1. Know the information products and services of Philippine eLibrary
2. Create a library/teaching site integrating various web resources
3. Gain familiarity with web technologies and web resources

Pre-Requisite for Participants
Participants must be computer literate

Methodology
1. Lectures
2. Hands-on training

Duration
3 Days


Tentative Schedules and Venues:
June 17 – 19, 2009
Baguio City

June 24-26, 2009
Naga City Library, Naga City

July 15-17, 2009
Venue: Cagayan de Oro City

July 29 – 31, 2009
Cebu City

Registration Fee: P 5,000 per participant. For registration or details, contact:
Ms. Melody Madrid 02 5281972 or Ms Tina Diaz 02 5253196

Online Resources for Holy Week & for Ordinary Weeks

It's Palm Sunday today. For Catholics, this ushers in the Holy Week meant for reflection, silence and reconnection with God and one's self. Though Lent began last February 24 on Ash Wednesday, this coming week is its zenith as Catholics and Christians world wide move on to prayer.

As long as one finds a quiet place, one can find God in prayer and reflection. And He is online too.

The Philippine Jesuits has a running Online Retreat. Dubbed as The Silences of Lent, one can attend the retreat via the Internet. It has a priming activity to prepare retreatants to the Tridium of this coming week. It is on it's second year and the first one was quite successful with so many retreatants posting their prayers and reflections in the forum. I was one of them. I even wrote about it in my personal blog last year. I'm not telling you to take my word for it, but it worked for me so I will do the same this year inspite of the annual Holy Week recollection that my husband and I will attend on April 9.

I'm not expecting to grow a pair of wings nor expect a halo on my head to appear. I've too many sins. Attending several recollections and retreats is merely not enough to absolve a sinner like myself. Besides, conversion is a long process. God works in wondrous ways and He has been patient with me. So who knows, I might receive a grace that I do not pray for.

I also look forward to the Online Visitia Iglesia. I hope the Jesuits do another round again because, if not this Holy Week, the churches are very good spots for the pilgrims to visit in the future.

Apart from these links for this Holy Week, Sacred Space offers online prayer guides and reflections even on ordinary days and weeks. Didache is also a good source for daily prayer. Bo Sanchez, lay preacher and inspirational speaker who is almost always in blue jeans, has a blog where his writings based on the scriptures are found.

There really is no escaping God's love and presence. His invitation is open and free for all. It is only a matter of choice to take and receive it. Have a restful Holy Week -- this means, no blogging from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. At least, for me.

The Future of Reading 2

The New York Times has a series of articles on reading in the digital age. Its journalists has written about the changing face and phase of reading in a digital environment. These articles could not have arrived at a better time than today.

On it's third run, The New York Times features a school librarian who went the extra mile to help young readers understand their way in the growing thicket of the Internet. Read part 1 and part 2.

The first article on online reading is interesting too. Research tells us that readers use the same comprehension and metacognitive skills involved in reading print resources when reading online materials. Then there's the story of a writer who extended his novel's conceit through video games online on the belief that, readers today do not only depend on print for pleasure, enjoyment and recreation.

Borders and barriers are breaking through our use of technology.

Can you argue with Wikipedia?

This post's title is a question that came from an online article about Jessica Alba. For the full story, read this link. Alba apparently defended herself when O'Rielly called her "dumb" for saying that Sweden was a neutral country during World War II. So Wikipedia says, according to Alba, Sweden along with Switzerland did not side with axis nor allied. Thus, the press gave it to Alba for knowing her history.

But the question piqued my interest to dig further into what Wikipedia claims as Sweden's neutrality. In another website, Sweden was indeed neutral only because it did not ally itself directly with Germany.

Sweden was never attacked by Germany. This was probably due to the fact that Germany did not have to. Germany was dependent upon Swedish metal ore from the mines in northern Sweden. Throughout the entire war, the Germans had no trouble in getting this metal ore. Sweden also exported ball bearings to the Germans, vital for their production of tanks and aeroplanes. German troops were transported to Norway and Finland on the Swedish railroad system during the war.

Reading between the lines, Sweden had to take a politically motivated action to save its government and its people from the losses and brutalities of war. There are online articles , however, that question this neutrality of some European countries during that dark age. It is an interesting topic indeed, and one that could prompt students and teachers of world history into further debate.

Going back to Alba and the article, Wikipedia may provide basic information and one that proves to be useful too. A critical reading and evaluation on what lies beneath the information it gives the reader is necessary. This holds true to print resources as well. To comprehend, one has to read the lines, between the lines and beyond it either in print or in online sources.